Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This five-day private safari reaches remote Northern Serengeti efficiently while still covering Tanzania's broader northern wildlife circuit. A scheduled light-aircraft flight carries you from Zanzibar to Kogatende, avoiding a long first-day road transfer. Two nights in the north allow a complete flexible safari day before the private 4x4 route continues through Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The landscapes move from rolling northern plains and Mara River woodland to Central Serengeti kopjes and river lines, the enclosed volcanic ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire's baobab country. Wildlife possibilities include wildebeest, zebra, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion, cheetah, hyena and varied birdlife. Leopard and black rhino are possible in suitable habitats but can never be promised.
Accommodation follows a premium mid-range pattern: two nights at Olmorijo Camp in Kogatende, one night at Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge in Central Serengeti, and one lodge night at Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu after the crater. The private vehicle and guide allow photography stops, comfort breaks and daily pacing to respond to wildlife and road conditions.
Northern Serengeti is especially relevant to migration-focused travel from roughly June through October. At other times the Serengeti nights and fly-in sector can be repositioned according to current wildlife information. Migration movements, river crossings, calving events and particular species are controlled by nature and cannot be guaranteed.
The displayed USD 2,627 price is the Northern migration-season per-person rate for two travelers sharing. The source gives planning estimates of USD 2,261 for three travelers, USD 2,070 for four, USD 1,950 for five and USD 1,882 for six, subject to exact dates, rooms, flights, fees and availability. Solo travel is available only by tailored quotation; the source's USD 3,650 migration-season solo figure is a planning estimate rather than an automatic website rate.
Accommodation, flight routing and baggage allowances are subject to reconfirmation. A comparable property of similar standard and location may be proposed when a named property is unavailable.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Semi-Luxury |
| Starting point | Zanzibar |
| Ending point | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destinations | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire |
| Accommodation type | Camping (Tented Camp, Lodge) |
| Meal plan | Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch |
| Transportation | Domestic Flight, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Suitable travellers | Family, Friends, Fly-In, Honeymoon, Couples and small groups |
| Customization | Yes — this itinerary can be tailored to you |
Route Overview 5 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Zanzibar hotel / Zanzibar Airport → Kogatende Airstrip → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) | Serengeti | Air sector plus ~ 30-90 km local game-drive tracks | 15-60 minutes airport transfer, 1 hour 45 minutes-3.5 hours scheduled flight and | Domestic Flight |
| Day 2 | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) → Mara River region → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) | Serengeti | ~ 50-140 km game-drive tracks | Flexible 7-9 hour safari day including breaks | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) → Lobo and Northern-to-Central Serengeti corridor → Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Serengeti | ~ 160-180 km plus wildlife detours | 4.5-6 hours pure road and track time, longer as a game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Central Serengeti (Seronera) → Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu | Karatu | ~ 190-220 km plus crater-floor tracks | 5-6.5 hours transfers excluding 4-5 hours crater game viewing | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Karatu → Tarangire National Park → Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport | No accommodation — departure day | ~ 220-250 km total plus game-drive tracks | 4-5 hours transfers excluding 4-5 hours game viewing | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Zanzibar to the Mara River - Fly Straight into Northern Serengeti
Day 1 — Zanzibar to the Mara River - Fly Straight into Northern Serengeti
| Starting location | Zanzibar hotel / Zanzibar Airport |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Kogatende Airstrip |
| Ending location | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | Hotel pickup typically 06:00-07:00, subject to ticketed flight |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Kogatende commonly late morning; camp before dark |
| Approx. distance | Air sector plus ~ 30-90 km local game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 15-60 minutes airport transfer, 1 hour 45 minutes-3.5 hours scheduled flight and |
| Transport | Domestic Flight |
Day description
Transfer privately from the Zanzibar hotel to the airport and fly by scheduled light aircraft to Kogatende. Meet the private guide-driver at the airstrip and begin game viewing immediately around Northern Serengeti and the Mara River region.
Morning
Transfer from the Zanzibar hotel to the airport, complete check-in and fly by scheduled light aircraft to Kogatende. Meet the Splendor Safari guide-driver beside the airstrip and move directly into the game-viewing circuit.
Afternoon
Take a picnic or camp-prepared lunch and explore riverine woodland, rolling hills, open grassland and Mara River viewpoints according to current field information rather than waiting for a promised crossing.
Evening
Arrive at camp before dark, settle into the tent, enjoy dinner and listen to the night sounds of Northern Serengeti.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — Zanzibar Hotel (Morning)
- 🏞 Scenic Flight — Zanzibar To Kogatende (1 Hour 45 Minutes-3.5 Hours Scheduled Routing)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Northern Serengeti And Mara River (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Northern Serengeti (Afternoon)
Meals
Olmorijo Camp - Kogatende
About this stay
Premium mid-range tented camp in Kogatende near the Mara River region on full board from lunch. It provides a logical fly-in base for the northern game circuit. Alternatives are Kaskaz Mara Camp and Friends Northern Serengeti Camp.
Use soft-sided luggage and confirm the ticketed airline baggage limit before final packing. Keep camera batteries, medication, documents and one change of essentials in compliant hand luggage.
Day 2 Northern Serengeti Immersion - A Full Day Around Kogatende
Day 2 — Northern Serengeti Immersion - A Full Day Around Kogatende
| Starting location | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Mara River region |
| Ending location | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 06:15-06:45, or later by private preference |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Return around 17:30-18:30 unless an earlier return is preferred |
| Approx. distance | ~ 50-140 km game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible 7-9 hour safari day including breaks |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Spend a full flexible day exploring Kogatende plains, drainage lines, river approaches and quieter loops. The private guide uses tracks, radio information and wildlife behavior to balance Mara River viewpoints with broader wildlife viewing.
Morning
Start early for soft light and cooler wildlife activity while the guide evaluates tracks, field reports and animal behavior across the plains and river approaches.
Afternoon
Continue toward quieter loops or Mara River viewpoints after a picnic lunch or camp lunch. Position patiently when herds are present, while accepting that crossings cannot be scheduled or forced.
Evening
Return to camp, shower, relax around the fire and enjoy dinner beneath the Northern Serengeti sky.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Northern Serengeti And Mara River (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Northern Serengeti (Full Day)
Meals
Olmorijo Camp - Kogatende
About this stay
Second night at the premium mid-range Kogatende tented camp on full board. The repeated stay creates a complete northern safari day without repacking.
A river-crossing wait can consume hours without a crossing. Private guiding allows the plan to pivot toward broader wildlife viewing. A Northern Serengeti balloon safari can be requested where operating, subject to availability.
Day 3 Across the Serengeti - Kogatende to Seronera
Day 3 — Across the Serengeti - Kogatende to Seronera
| Starting location | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Lobo and Northern-to-Central Serengeti corridor |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | Around 07:00 after breakfast |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Central Serengeti around 15:00-17:30 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 160-180 km plus wildlife detours |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 4.5-6 hours pure road and track time, longer as a game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Travel south from Kogatende through changing Serengeti habitats, treating the route as a game drive with wildlife and landscape stops. Reach Central Serengeti for late-afternoon viewing among kopjes, rivers and year-round resident wildlife habitat.
Morning
Leave Kogatende and move south through changing habitats with wildlife and landscape photography stops, using the journey as a safari rather than a simple transfer.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch en route and explore Lobo, open savanna or woodland sectors according to conditions. Enter Central Serengeti for further wildlife viewing around kopjes and riverine corridors.
Evening
Check into the tented camp for dinner and time around the campfire or lounge.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Northern To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti Transit (Full Day)
Meals
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
About this stay
Premium mid-range tented accommodation in the Seronera area of Central Serengeti on full board, positioned after the north-to-central transit. Alternatives are Friends - Serengeti Camp and Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge.
This is a long but rewarding safari-transfer day. Travelers who prefer less road time should request a Kogatende-to-Seronera flight-assisted version before booking, subject to schedule and availability.
Day 4 Serengeti Dawn to Ngorongoro Crater - From Plains to Caldera
Day 4 — Serengeti Dawn to Ngorongoro Crater - From Plains to Caldera
| Starting location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro Crater |
| Ending location | Karatu |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | 05:45-06:15 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Crater around 10:00-11:00; Karatu around 18:00-19:00 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 190-220 km plus crater-floor tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 5-6.5 hours transfers excluding 4-5 hours crater game viewing |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Depart Central Serengeti before sunrise, cross Naabi Hill and descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a picnic lunch and private game drive. Continue through the highlands to Karatu for a relaxed lodge evening.
Morning
Depart at first light and game-drive out of Serengeti through Naabi Hill toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, protecting enough time for the crater.
Afternoon
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a picnic lunch and game drive through grassland, wetland and woodland habitat, then ascend and travel through the highlands to Karatu.
Evening
Check into the lodge for a hot shower, garden surroundings and a relaxed dinner after one of the longest safari days.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti To Naabi Hill (Early Morning)
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (4-5 Hours)
- 🏞 Transfer — Ngorongoro To Karatu (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti And Ngorongoro (Full Day)
Meals
Farm of Dreams Lodge
About this stay
Premium mid-range safari lodge in Karatu on full board, selected as a practical recovery night after the crater and for efficient Tarangire access. Alternatives are Marera Valley Lodge and Acacia Farm Lodge.
This is a demanding day. Families with young children or travelers wanting slower pacing should add one night between Central Serengeti and the crater. Black rhino is possible but never guaranteed.
Day 5 Tarangire Finale - Elephants, Baobabs and Return to Arusha
Day 5 — Tarangire Finale - Elephants, Baobabs and Return to Arusha
| Starting location | Karatu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire National Park |
| Ending location | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destination | Tarangire |
| Approx. departure | Around 07:15 after breakfast |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Arusha 17:30-18:30; Kilimanjaro Airport 18:30-20:00 depending on traffic |
| Approx. distance | ~ 220-250 km total plus game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 4-5 hours transfers excluding 4-5 hours game viewing |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Drive from Karatu to Tarangire for a final private game drive among baobab woodland, seasonal swamps and the Tarangire River. After a picnic lunch, continue to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for a suitably late departure.
Morning
Drive from Karatu to Tarangire and enter the park for a final game drive among baobab woodland, seasonal swamps and the Tarangire River system.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch and explore river loops or quieter sectors according to wildlife and road conditions, then exit and continue to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Evening
The tour ends at the agreed drop-off. An optional post-safari Arusha night or following-day Zanzibar flight can be arranged.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Tarangire National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Tarangire National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Tarangire To Arusha Or JRO (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Airport Drop Off — Kilimanjaro International Airport (When Requested)
Meals
About this stay
No accommodation is included after the final transfer. An Arusha or airport-area lodge can be arranged separately.
Do not schedule a tight international departure. Road, game-drive and traffic delays can occur, so a late-night flight or post-safari Arusha night is safer.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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A scheduled fly-in from Zanzibar to Kogatende avoids a very long first-day road transfer.
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Two Northern Serengeti nights create a full flexible safari day near the Mara River migration region.
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An exclusive private pop-up-roof 4x4 is reserved for your party from Kogatende through Arusha.
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A professional English-speaking Tanzanian guide-driver leads the full mainland road safari.
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A flexible Northern Serengeti game drive supports wildlife and photography-led pacing.
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The scenic Northern-to-Central Serengeti transition crosses changing habitats and wildlife areas.
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An Ngorongoro Crater descent includes a picnic lunch and crater-floor game viewing.
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The finale explores Tarangire baobabs, river habitat and elephant country.
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Zanzibar transfer, airstrip coordination and practical light-aircraft baggage guidance are included.
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Season-led routing can move away from Kogatende when another Serengeti sector is more logical.
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Private service suits couples, families, photographers, friends and celebration travel.
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Responsible viewing avoids promises of sightings, crossings, kills or close approaches.
Included
- Scheduled economy-class light-aircraft flight from Zanzibar to Kogatende or the confirmed Serengeti airstrip for the standard migration-season routing
- Private Zanzibar hotel and airport transfer for the scheduled safari flight where included in the confirmed quotation
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle from Kogatende through Arusha
- Professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver during the road safari
- Four nights of accommodation as specified or agreed comparable substitutes
- Meals stated in the day-by-day itinerary
- National park
- conservation and crater service fees for the stated itinerary based on current non-resident assumptions
- All scheduled game drives in the itinerary
- Drinking water during the road safari
- Airport or Arusha drop-off at the end of Day 5
- Government taxes and VAT included in the written quotation unless a later statutory increase occurs
- Pre-safari briefing and emergency logistical support during the tour
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Domestic flights not explicitly included in the final quotation
- Tanzania visa and other immigration charges
- Travel insurance
- medical evacuation cover and Zanzibar insurance outside the safari component
- Medical expenses
- vaccinations and medications
- Tips and gratuities for guides
- camp and lodge staff and other service providers
- Personal purchases
- souvenirs and telephone or data charges
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks unless specifically included by the property
- Laundry unless specifically included by the accommodation
- Optional activities and cultural or community visits
- Hot-air balloon safari
- Private charter flights and premium flight upgrades unless quoted
- Additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 5
- Bank
- international-transfer and card-processing charges where applicable
- Government-imposed fee increases introduced after quotation when permitted by booking terms
- Dinner on Day 5 unless a post-tour night is added
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Dry seasons often offer easier wildlife viewing (Jun–Oct). Green seasons are beautiful and quieter (Nov–Mar).
Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes — add days, change lodges (lodge/camp), or include balloon safaris/cultural visits.
What is the typical group size?
Private tours are just your party with a driver-guide. Shared departures may have 4–7 guests per vehicle.
See it for yourself
A few moments from this safari, filmed on the ground.
